The Spirit of Disillusionment: A i ekian Approach to William Blake’s Europe: A Prophecy

This study presents an exploration of Blake’s Europe: A Prophecy and delves into the poem’s relation to its historical background and provides insights into the intrinsic illusions of Romanticism. By drawing on Slavoj i ek’s theories and psychoanalysis, the paper uncovers the strata of meaning and ideology within Blake’s work. Contrary to the Romantic ideals, Blake’s poem does not embody hope for their revolutions. Instead, it artistically exposes the ultimate deficiency of their illusions and critiques the impossible nature of their ideals. Furthermore, it is concluded through this analysis that Blake possessed unique perspective and his distinct departure from Romantic ideology.

Keywords:

William Blake , Romanticism , Ideology , Europe: A Prophecy , The French Revolution